Youth has enough confidence, energy, and sometimes bravado to believe they alone have discovered the pathway to successful living. They often assume that what’s new is best, sometimes forgetting that previous generations experienced similar sentiments. Folks with years of experience have learned life’s paths are many and varied, knowing it’s not always about new discoveries. Enjoying and appreciating what already exists can bring considerable satisfaction. Much of life isn’t exactly unchartered territories. It’s walking roads with detours and disappointments, while searching for alternatives. Sometimes a trail needs to be reconfigured, and confidently forging ahead helps.
One rite of passage in growing up is realizing that parents are typically far more interesting people than they seemed when viewed through a child’s or teen’s eyes. It’s a privilege to live long enough to know Mom and Dad as people who are like good friends. They still share suggestions and helpful information, much like friends do, but with no strings attached and not in disciplinary fashion. The people your parents hang out and travel with are typically more evolved and entertaining than how they were perceived decades ago. Having the opportunity to revisit that previous relationship is an honor not given to everyone and it’s good for both generations to act on.
Celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day reminds me of many moms and dads who influenced my life. Children are very fortunate to have other adults helping them navigate the challenges of growing up. Conversations among the generations can add luster to younger and older. I loved going to classmates’ houses to visit. Talking to their parents was enjoyable and often helped me realize some of the whys and why nots for my parents’ decisions. More time was spent with moms because dads weren’t as talkative and were usually at work.
Similarly it’s a pleasure sharing time and fun with my son and two daughters’ friends. We’re on equal footing now and any former awkwardness is pleasantly absent. We laugh, reminisce, the younger generation helps with technology tips, and the older one, when asked, can respond with practical insights.
Crossing paths with a teacher later in life is a wonderful opportunity to know a person much differently than the initial classroom impression. For those wonderful teachers dedicated to influencing students, their input lasts forever. The recent death of a much-loved educator is a poignant reminder.
- Michael Morris died March 28 of lung cancer complications. He was 71. Director of Choral Music at Bartonville’s Limestone Community High School for 33 years, he also directed area church choirs and other music performance groups. Hundreds paid their respects at his visitation and funeral. Countless former students of all ages remarked, “He brought out the best in us.” One had written to him: “ I am grateful for your guidance, wisdom, excellence, and friendship. You made hundreds and hundreds of students better because you cared and you taught them to care. You inspired greatness and your legacy, aside from your wonderful family, surely will be that you made ordinary high school students extraordinary for a little while.”
Mr. Morris transcended any generational differences, inspiring all ages to gift the world through music and excellence. His example continues motivating others to share their talents. Such talent and charisma can never be stilled.